Venice Semi-Private Guided Walking Tour: Explore Hidden Alleys and Enchanting Squares

Discover the hidden alleys and enchanting squares of Venice on a semi-private guided walking tour. Marvel at panoramic views and receive a local touch from professional guides.

Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Piazza San Marco - The tour kicks off at the Column of San Marco. Often hailed as the world’s most beautiful drawing room, you’ll see why when you visit. The guide will provide a brief historical overview of the Mediterranean’s most powerful maritime empire. In this square, the guide will point out some of the most iconic buildings as the tour progresses.
  • Saint Mark’s Basilica - Here, you’ll be introduced to St Mark’s Basilica, Venice’s cathedral church and a city symbol, known for its Byzantine-style domes, golden mosaics, and priceless bronze and golden horses from Constantinople. The guide will describe the church’s exterior, showcasing its severe Gothic design.
  • Doge’s Palace - Next, you’ll visit the Doge’s Palace, located just a few meters from the Cathedral, another landmark in St. Mark’s Square. The guide will share the story of this magnificent palace, including the fire that occurred, and discuss its structure and architectural style. You’ll then walk to see Venice’s tallest building, The Campanile (Bell Tower), which once served as a lighthouse for sailors.
  • Bridge of Sighs - You’ll also walk across the famous Bridge of Sighs and continue exploring must-see architectural gems, including a stunning basilica. The tour will proceed to Campo SS. Giovanni e Paolo, home to Venice’s largest church, known as the Pantheon of Venice.
  • Campo dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo - The guide will take you around the church’s exterior, adorned with marvelous sculptures. Nearby, you can admire the Scuola Grande di San Marco (“Great School of Charity”), Venice’s most prominent and beautifully decorated building. The guide will explain the building’s importance and significance to the Venetians.
  • Marco Polo’s House - As you wander through Venice’s streets and charming alleys, crossing small bridges, you’ll discover hidden gems like Marco Polo’s house. The guide will discuss the historical significance of this place and the contributions of the great traveler and writer who once lived there, evoking a sense of awe.
  • Marzaria del Capitello - The tour continues to the bustling Mercerie, Venice’s most famous shopping street, located between the Rialto Bridge and San Marco Square.
  • Rialto Bridge - After passing the Rialto Bridge, you’ll walk along the Grand Canal to Teatro La Fenice, Italy’s most famous theater. Here, you’ll learn about the mythical phoenix story cherished by locals.
  • Scala Contarini del Bovolo - Later, you’ll visit the Gothic spiral staircase, Scala Contarini del Bovolo, on your way back to St. Mark’s Square.

After a pleasant two-hour walk, your tour concludes here, having uncovered Venice’s priceless artistic heritage—a perfect blend of art, architecture, and history. This tour offers an ideal introduction to a city that words can hardly describe.

What's Included
  • Official certified guide
  • Radio system to hear the guide
What's Not Included
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Entrance tickets to the attractions- The Tour is operated from the outside of the attractions
  • Food and drinks
  • Transportation to/from attractions
Additional Information

TOUR FEATURES
• Discover Venice from a new perspective and be awed by stunning panoramic vistas
• Wander through Venice’s slim lanes and come across charming plazas
• Have a unique local experience with the expert guide as you visit Venice’s top attractions

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Embark on an exciting walking tour, since Venice is an intriguing labyrinth of petite alleyways, sophisticated mansions, and majestic cathedrals: we ensure nothing is left unseen during an informative walking tour guided by our qualified professionals.

  • This tour does not include entrance to the main sites and will completely take place outside (only external comments of the various sites will be provided)
  • Unfortunately, wheelchairs and strollers cannot be accommodated on this tour. All customers must be able to autonomously walk, climb and get off the steps
  • Please wear comfortable walking shoes as there is a moderate amount of walking involved
  • Please note that the tour requires a minimum number of guests to run
  • Please note that if you arrive after the tour start time you will not be able to join and will not be refunded or have your tour rescheduled
  • Subject to favourable weather conditions. If cancelled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund
  • There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements, in the event of this occurring you will be offered an alternative or full refund
  • On certain dates, most travelers staying outside of Venice who are planning to visit for the day will be required to pay a €5 access fee. For further details (including exemptions) and to learn what days this fee is applicable, please visit: https://cda.ve.it
Location
Colonna di San Marco
Piazzetta San Marco
Please be present in front of the Columns of San Marco (Piazza San Marco), 15 minutes before departure time to avoid any delay.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
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(2 Ratings)
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Gina_f
Sep 7, 2023
Walking tour of Venice - Great first intro into Venice. Perfect for familiarizing us with the area and giving us a little history of the beautiful sights to see in Venice. Very inexpensive for the 2 hour walking tour we did.
Review provided by Viator
Abel_d
Aug 8, 2023
Best way to visit Rome! - Excellent way to visit the most important monuments in Rome. Guide was very informative. We didn’t even have to walk alot because he took us really close and took our pictures! Highly recommended 😎
Review provided by Viator